The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that more than 20 high-ranking Iranian commanders—including senior officers in the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian Armed Forces—were eliminated in Israel’s recent Operation “Rising Lion,” a coordinated air campaign targeting military and nuclear sites in Iran, officials said.
The strike, launched on June 13, involved over 200 Israeli aircraft and targeted facilities such as Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, across 100 locations including underground command centers in Tehran. Among those reportedly killed were General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the IRGC; General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces; General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force; and Major General Gholam‑Reza Marhabi, who led military intelligence.
In total, between 20 and 25 senior commanders across Iran’s security and nuclear leadership were targeted, including officials responsible for Iran’s missile programs and intelligence operations.
Previously, early reports confirmed six senior commanders and nine nuclear scientists were among the casualties. Additional figures, including top IRGC leaders such as Ali Shamkhani, underscore the scale of the event.
This operation marks one of Israel’s most aggressive and deep-reaching anti-Iran military actions, blending airstrikes with covert Mossad sabotage to neutralize Iran’s air defenses and intelligence assets. Israeli officials assert the operation aims to degrade Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities while avoiding civilian areas.
